Customer Reviews

A Man of No Importance [VHS]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This debut from Suri Krishnamma is quite wonderful. Set in Dublin in 1963, it opens with Eartha Kitt singing "Let's Do it" and Albert Finney reading Oscar Wilde, so we know something particular is in the wind. Finney is a bus conductor who is inspired to mount a production of Salome after meeting Tara Fitzgerald. The film shows the rehearsals in the local church hall, and slowly reveals Finney's closeted sexual preference, secretly in love with someone he calls his "Bosie". What is interesting is the Vertigo relationship that develops between Finney and Fitzgerald. As her director, he recreates her the way he wishes to see her, which can be a common dynamic between certain men and the women they are obsessed with, and the situation is all the more resonant since Fitzgerald is so touching. Time allows the audience to like Finney, since at first his accent and face are off-putting. It seems he is trying too hard, but by the time he is dressed as flamboyantly as Wilde, we are won over. Brenda Fricker plays Finney's sister and is funny, but Rufus Sewell as the bus driver is unfortunately Method-y. However Krishnamma wisely removes him for a time and when he returns, we have Finney's idiot grin of happiness as a payoff.

Opening like a charming and lightweight Irish comedy, A Man of No Importance eventually proves to be more of a pathos-laden drama. Along the way however, it never fails of be warm, with Albert Finney a joy as the kind yet internally tortured ticket collector Alfie, who is inspired to mount a production of Salome, by his idol Oscar Wilde. Throughout the film we are treated not only to Finney, but also loveley turns by Tara Fitzgerald as Alfie's idealised Princess Salome, and Rufus Sewell as the bus driver, dubbed "Bosie," the object of ALfie's unrequited affections. The story could deteriorate into a weepy drama, but it never does, and the conclusion, although sad, is somewhat life-affirming. A great way to spend an evening.

Alfie Byrne is loved by everyone.He is a simple bus conductor who has a passion for art-most importantly the plays of Oscar Wilde.He quotes Wilde,and produces Wilde's plays on an amateur level,yet unlike Wilde,Alfie has yet to reach the true knowledge of love for himself and his own sexuality.Through the works and life of Oscar Wilde,A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE is a cleverly constructed screenplay that allows Alfie Byrne,so admirably and convincingly portrayed by Albert Finney,to find true knowledge of himself and love in his life.
This film will be greatly enhanced by an acquaintance with Wilde's work and life in order to gain the maximum satisfaction and understanding.A viewing of the film WILDE will make A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE so much more enjoyable on all levels.
The songs LETS FALL IN LOVE and CAN'T GET USED TO LOSING YOU are used to great effect in this film.
All in all, this is an incredibly well written,well directed and beautiful tour-de-force of a film.

To say I loved this movie is an understatement. Mr. Finney displayed his true acting expertise as the delightful director in search of his one exceptional performance. The very thought that man or woman could fall in love with Robbie (Rufus Sewell) makes the movie even more believable. Mr. Sewell can speed up the heart with just a wink. Sprinkled with light humor "we could die your hair blonde... like an angel," enables the viewer to accept those scenes that depict how life is not always grand but the few chuckles we get along the way make it worth living.

This is a jewel of a film. Each element is perfect: the casting, the acting, the setting, the story. Rare and delightful. Finney is amazing as the innocent fan of Oscar Wilde and The Love That Has No Name. Michael Gambon downplays the local butcher,and always main actor in the local theater, while Rufus Sewell, in an early film role, plays a kind young motorcycling, busdriver of Dublin. A must for anglofiles and those who love a perfect plot, dialogue, with a certain amount of angst. Finney is a bus monitor who also runs the local amateur theater in the auditorium of the church. I own a region free DVD player and can therefore watch DVD's from other regions. USA-Canada is Region 1, UK and Europe, Region 2, Australia, Region 4 and so on. You can play other regions in your computer as well.

It is great to have a copy of this beautiful and important film. It is one of many videos I have found thanks to Amazon.

Albert Finney is superb, as always. Supporting cast are also very believable. The story line is not complex, but allows/requires the viewer to do a bit of interpretation. Good human drama.

This is one of the most moving movies I have every seen. Albert Finney is forced by his peers to live a lie. He overcomes his homosexuality by quoting and putting on Oscar Wilde plays. No one in the movie every really does understand this complex character, very well acted by Finney.

This film is a truly unique and enchanting experience. From the Wilde poem, "The Harlot's House" recited by Alfie(Albert Finney)to his bus passengers to Alfie's sweet and kind obsession with Wilde by dressing like him when he goes out to the bar, you will be delighted by the deep sensitivity of Finney to the role. The video is one I watched several times and enjoyed each time. It is absorbing, funny, tender and best of all respectful to Oscar Wilde.